After spending a few weeks in Taipei and planning my road trip around Taiwan, I noticed something intriguing: the scarcity of large resorts across the island. While searching for accommodations, this absence stood out, prompting me to ask my Taiwanese friends why that might be. Their response was simple yet thought-provoking: it’s just not part of their culture.

I've been in Taiwan for a few weeks now, and it’s already been a wild ride—literally. In that short time, I’ve experienced four typhoons, including one that made my building sway for several hours, an unforgettable reminder of how unpredictable and powerful nature can be here. As I write this, the country is reeling from a 6.4 magnitude earthquake that struck just last night! That experience left me curious: with such extreme weather and frequent earthquakes, how do hotels in Taiwan ensure guest safety while delivering the luxury experience travelers expect?

The Grand Hotel in Taipei was the first stop on my journey, and it’s easy to understand why. With its golden roof tiles, towering vermilion columns, and a majestic presence on Yuanshan Hill, this hotel is more than just a luxury property—it’s a symbol of cultural pride and heritage.

…my journey now takes me to a new chapter—Asia, with stops in Taiwan, Vietnam and South Korea.
In this next part of the Luxury Unveiled series, I’ll be exploring the unique hospitality of these three incredible countries, each offering its own mix of tradition, warmth, and modern flair. From the welcoming nature of Taiwan to the rich cultural experiences in Vietnam, and the thoughtful, detail- oriented service in South Korea, I’ll be diving into what makes the guest experience in these places so special.

In this final chapter of my Vancouver series, I had the pleasure of speaking with Nathalie Boye, a long-time resident who has called this vibrant city home for the past 18 years. Nathalie works with Destination Vancouver, where she plays a key role in promoting the city’s diverse and ever-evolving tourism landscape. With her unique perspective, Nathalie shares insights into how Vancouver has transformed over the years, revealing some hidden gems and the untapped potential for future growth.

Since arriving in Vancouver, I couldn't help but notice the steady stream of cruise ships docking at Canada Place, each one bringing thousands of visitors to the city. This constant influx of tourists piqued my curiosity about the broader impact these ships have on Vancouver.

In our recent series, we've talked about the core elements that shape today’s luxury experience: sustainability, supporting diversity and integration, and creating personalized guest experiences. These are not just trends—they're deeply valued by Gen Z. As they enter workforce and gain spending power, the preferences of this new wave of travelers will shape the future of the market.

In this article, we will turn our attention to another key aspect that resonates with this generation: technology and innovation.

I recently visited the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia which displays world arts and cultures, in particular works by First Nations of the Pacific Northwest. This visit led me to explore how the hospitality industry is contributing to the preservation of local traditions.

Since arriving in Vancouver, I've been struck by how deeply ingrained environmental consciousness is in the city's culture. After extensive research, I have found that most luxury hotels in the city use eco-friendly cleaning products and have robust recycling programs. In this article, I’ll focus on two less common initiatives that are setting new standards in the hospitality industry.

As I continue my journey through the vibrant streets of Vancouver, immersing myself in the city’s rich hospitality scene, I am continually impressed by the innovative ways luxury hotels are redefining guest experiences.
In the fiercely competitive world of luxury hospitality, the ability to provide personalized guest experiences has become the gold standard of exceptional service.

Luxury Unveiled: the VERTU Hospitality Tour has begun!

Our first stop takes us to the vibrant city of Vancouver, BC, Canada…

Vancouver, a city renowned for its stunning natural scenery and vibrant urban life, is equally celebrated for its architectural innovations, particularly in the hospitality sector. This article delves into the cutting-edge design strategies and architectural marvels that have transformed Vancouver into a global hotspot for hospitality excellence.

Drawing from personal visits and extensive research, I'll take you on a tour of two of the city's most iconic hotels, very different from each other.

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our exciting new blog series, "Luxury Unveiled: The VERTU Hospitality Tour." In this series, our Travel Designer is embarking on a remarkable journey around the world, visiting some of the most luxurious hotels to explore the latest trends, innovations, and best practices in the industry.

The hospitality industry is a unique and dynamic field, where each strategic position demands a specific blend of skills and experiences that are often unmatched in other sectors. One of the most fascinating aspects of this industry is how it cultivates professionals who are not just specialists in their roles but true experts with a deep understanding of both operations, other disciplines and the technology that supports them…

The culinary landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. With the advent of new technologies, changing consumer preferences, and a global emphasis on sustainability, hotels and restaurants must continuously innovate to stay relevant. Chef Kurdahl emphasized the need for a dynamic approach to culinary arts, where creativity and tradition blend seamlessly. This means developing new…

Further to my hospitality conference where AI was at the forefront of many conversations, I explored the emerging trend of video clip production with digital avatars speaking on behalf of humans.

In today's digitally connected world, WiFi has become an essential amenity, akin to running water and electricity. For hotels and conference venues, providing a fast, robust, and secure WiFi service is not just a luxury; it's a necessity. Let’s explore the critical importance of high-quality WiFi for guests and get a sneak peak into the various existing and emerging WiFi technologies that are shaping the future of internet and network services…

This week, Amsterdam is playing host to the Brainlinx Hospitality and Travel Conference, where industry leaders and enthusiasts converged to explore and expose the latest trends and innovations shaping the world of hospitality. As a speaker at this prestigious event, I had the privilege of addressing a topic close to my heart: the delicate balance between automation and the human touch in the luxury hospitality sector.

At VERTU Hotels and Resorts, we've recently reached a significant milestone: the completion of our latest corporate and inspirational videos. This accomplishment has brought to the forefront the undeniable importance of partnering with a top-notch PR and Communication Company. Let's take a closer look at why we now place even greater emphasis on quality in this domain.

Our journey to create our latest corporate video underscored the pivotal role that effective PR and communication play in our success. Here's why we now recognize the paramount importance of working with a top-tier PR team:

In a world buzzing with celebrations, one day stands out for its tender significance – Mother's Day. It's not just a day marked on the calendar; it's an ode to the heartbeat of humanity, the nurturing spirit that shapes lives with love and care – our mothers.

There's an undeniable magic in the bond between a mother and her child. From the first flutter of life within her womb to the countless sleepless nights spent tending to our needs, mothers embody unconditional love. They are our first teachers, our fiercest protectors, and our forever friends.

As I went through several rebranding initiatives in the past with other hotel groups, reading the announcement of the very successful Jumeirah rebranding a couple of days ago, made me brainstorming about the pros and cons of such an initiative in our industry, the purpose of doing so and the actions to take or to avoid in order to do it right…